Coast Guard Continues Search for 2 Victims of Airplane Crash

DETROIT – Coast Guard Sector Detroit is continuing its search for a small airplane and two persons in western Lake Erie. The aircraft went down just east of Kelleys Island after take off from the island’s airport. The crash was reported to Sector Detroit at 9:21 p.m., September 3, 2007. After the crash, a Good Samaritan rowed out from the island in a boat to assist a young survivor. The survivor reported that there were two other persons on the airplane.

The Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay arrived on scene at approximately 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning and is acting as on scene commander. The cutter is coordinating multiple search assets including a 25-foot boat from Coast Guard Station Marblehead, a HH65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, and other agency boats. The rescue crews are continuing efforts to locate persons in the water.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources marine patrol is on scene assisting with side-scan sonar to help locate underwater debris. Searches, including dive operations, are being conducted by boats from Huron County and the Sandusky Fire Department.